Seven myths about mental health
Debunking the myths about mental health can help remove stigma and create a culture that encourages people of all ages to seek support when they need it. Here are seven common misconceptions about mental health:
Myth 1: If someone has a mental health problem, it’s because they’re not very intelligent.
Fact: Mental illness, like physical illness, can affect anyone, regardless of intelligence, social class, or income level.
Myth 2: You only need to take care of your mental health if you have a mental health problem.
Fact: Taking active steps to promote well-being and improve mental health benefits everyone, just as we take active steps to adopt a healthy lifestyle to care for our physical health.
Myth 3: Deteriorating mental health is not a problem that affects teenagers. Their mood swings are due to hormonal fluctuations and they act this way to get attention.
Fact: Teenagers often have mood swings, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also have mental disorders. 14% of adolescents worldwide have mental health problems. Globally, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among 10-15 year olds and the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds. Half of mental health problems appear before the age of 14.
Myth 4: Nothing can be done to prevent people from developing mental health problems.
Fact: Many factors can protect people from mental disorders, including strengthening social and emotional skills, seeking help and support early, developing warm, caring and understanding family relationships, a positive school environment and healthy sleep patterns.
The ability to overcome adversity is based on a combination of different protective factors; Neither environmental factors nor individual stressors alone necessarily lead to mental health problems. Children and adolescents who successfully cope with adversity often have biological resilience and stable, supportive relationships with family, friends, and adults around them, resulting in a combination of protective factors that promote well-being.
Myth 5: A mental health problem is a sign of weakness. If the man was stronger, he wouldn’t have this problem.
Fact: A mental health problem has nothing to do with weakness or lack of will. It’s not something people choose to have or not have. In fact, admitting that you need help to overcome a mental health problem takes a lot of strength and courage. Anyone can develop a mental health problem.
Myth 6: Teens who get good grades and have lots of friends don’t have mental health problems because they have no reason to be depressed.
Fact: Depression is a very common mental health disorder that results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. It can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or perceived quality of life. Young people who do well at school may feel pressured to succeed, which can cause anxiety, or they may experience difficulties at home. They may also suffer from depression or anxiety without an easily identifiable cause.
Myth 7: Poor parenting is the cause of adolescent mental health problems.
Reality: Many factors, including poverty, unemployment, exposure to violence, migration, and other adverse circumstances and events, can affect the well-being and mental health of adolescents and their caregivers, as well as the relationship between them. Adolescents living in care and support homes may have mental health problems, as can those who come from care homes who need support to maintain an optimal environment for healthy adolescent development. With support, carers can play a crucial role in helping teenagers overcome the problems they face.
